Drilling holes in bimini bows

[ampersat]

I put a bimini top with solid supports on the front (instead of straps) on the Army Boat and I'd like to set it up with several positions (regular deployment, storage, faux rocket launcher on-the-water storage position). I've got some wing bolts that should fit but the question is: if I drill holes in the bimini support poles for the wing bolts to screw into am I weakening the tubes to the point that they might fail? The pipes are 3/4" and the wing bolts are 1/4" but would likely be ground down to 3/16" to remove the threads.

[RODACTION]

I don't completely understad or see what you doing....? "but" The answer to your question of weakening is YES, but that also depends on the load, and the loaded possition to the 3/4" tube.

You might be able to achieve what your wanting to do with round, or U clamps and attatch from there ?

[ampersat]

I found clamps but unfortunately they are for a smaller diameter of pipe.

[SLEDDER]

Drill in the center of tube and you will be fine ,within reason weight wise.

[RODACTION]

I found clamps but unfortunately they are for a smaller diameter of pipe.

I would bet if you did a little searching you could find clamps....have you look on the internet ?

In Salem we have a store called "INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS" its off the beaten path, but they have some real specialty stuff, if it has treads....they have it.

I have gotten some real specialty stainless nuts and bolts from them.....they might have what you need ?

[Bootstrap Bill]

you could try bimini jaw slides from Boatersworld.